Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still limited.

A fermented plant extract that may help calm the skin and support a healthy microbiome, though human research is still limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm and protect skin, though research is still early.

Venus flytrap extract is a novel botanical ingredient with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Veratraldehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, vanilla-like scent to products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

A gentle antioxidant that may help brighten skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Veratrole is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a sweet, woody scent but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Veratryl alcohol is a gentle antioxidant and fragrance component found in some natural extracts, but its skincare benefits are not as well-studied as more common antioxidants.

A gentle plant antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Verbena extract is a gentle botanical ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is limited compared to more studied antioxidants.

Verbena flower extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but human skincare research is still limited.

A gentle, aromatic flower water that adds a light citrus scent and mild soothing feel to skincare products, but lacks strong clinical evidence for specific skin benefits.

A gentle, aromatic botanical water that may offer mild astringent and soothing benefits, but lacks strong clinical evidence for major skin improvements.

Verbena leaf absolute adds a fresh lemon-like scent to skincare, but its strong fragrance can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Verbena Leaf Extract offers gentle soothing and antioxidant benefits, but research on its topical effects is still limited.

Verbena leaf oil adds a pleasant citrus scent to products but can be irritating for sensitive skin and has limited skincare research.

A gentle, aromatic water that may help tone and refresh skin, but its benefits are largely anecdotal and not backed by strong clinical evidence.

Verbena Water offers a gentle, aromatic alternative to plain water in toners and mists, but its benefits beyond mild soothing are not strongly supported by research.

Verdyl Acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh, woody scent; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause sensitivity in some individuals.

Vermiculite is a safe, natural mineral that absorbs oil and adds texture, but it's rarely a star ingredient in skincare.

Vermiculite extract is a mineral-based ingredient that can absorb excess oil and add a silky texture, but its skincare benefits are not well-studied.

Vernaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a fresh floral scent, but it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

A plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

A plant extract with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human skin studies are very limited.

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but human skincare research is still very limited.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's not a standout ingredient.

A gentle, biotech-derived extract that may help strengthen the skin barrier and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Vetiver root extract offers gentle antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is limited and its main role is often as a natural fragrance.

Vetiver root oil adds a warm, earthy fragrance to products and may offer mild soothing benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin.

Vetiver root powder is a gentle, natural exfoliant with soothing and aromatic benefits, best suited for rinse-off products.

Vetiverol is a natural, soothing fragrance ingredient with antioxidant benefits, generally safe for most skin types.

A pleasant, woody-scented fragrance ingredient that is generally well-tolerated but offers no direct skin benefit beyond scent.

A gentle, biotech-derived marine ferment that may help calm skin and support barrier function, though research is still emerging.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin, but research is limited.

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

A fragrant essential oil with some antimicrobial potential, but limited research on skin benefits and a moderate risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

Vinegar can gently exfoliate and balance skin pH, but it must be heavily diluted to avoid irritation.

Vinyl acetate is a synthetic monomer used in polymers for nail and hair products, but it is not a direct skin care ingredient and may pose irritation risks in its raw form.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer without feeling heavy or sticky.

A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but its vinyl chloride component raises minor safety questions in high-exposure scenarios.

A synthetic floral fragrance that is a common allergen; many brands have phased it out due to safety concerns.

Vinyl Dimethicone is a safe, non-comedogenic silicone that gives products a silky feel and helps other ingredients spread evenly.

A silicone crosspolymer that gives a silky, smooth feel to products without clogging pores or causing irritation.

A silicone polymer that gives products a silky, smooth feel and helps ingredients spread evenly without clogging pores.

A silicone powder that gives a silky, matte finish and helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.

A synthetic film-former that helps products stay put, resist water, and feel smooth — generally safe and non-irritating for most skin types.

A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put, but may cause buildup with frequent use.

A synthetic film-forming polymer that helps products stay put and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.

A gentle silicone that helps products glide on smoothly and creates a breathable, non-greasy film on skin or hair.

A safe, non-irritating silicone powder that gives a silky finish and helps blur imperfections without clogging pores.

A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put, but offers no active skincare benefit.

Vinylstyrene is not a common skincare ingredient; it is a synthetic monomer used in industrial polymers and nail products, with limited safety data for direct skin contact.

A gentle botanical powder with traditional soothing and antioxidant potential, but clinical evidence is limited.

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm irritated skin and provide antioxidant protection, though research is still emerging.

Violacein is a promising biotech-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help protect skin from environmental stress, but human studies are still limited.